In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Surfing in Lombok – from the best surf spots to valuable tips for your trip. I’ll also show you why Lombok ilotides the perfect destination if you want to learn how to surf.
Lombok is stepping out of Bali’s shadow and gaining recognition in the surf community.
While Bali struggles with crowded line-ups, heavy traffic, and mass tourism, Lombok offers exactly what many surfers, including me, miss on Bali: empty line-ups, untouched beaches, and a authentic atmosphere.
Although Lombok is no longer a secret, it remains underrated compared to Bali. This means you can (still) enjoy significantly emptier line-ups and more relaxed sessions. And not only for advanced surfers! Also for beginner and intermediate surfers, there are plenty of beautiful beaches with beginner-friendly waves.
This article is all about Surfing in Lombok – your ultimate guide for your next surf trip.
Reading Tip: Bali vs. Lombok: Which is the Better Choice for Your Surf Trip
Best Time for Surfing in Lombok
Not only Bali but also Lombok offers some of the best waves in the world – and the best part: you can surf here all year round, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer.
Locals say that the rainy season (November to April) often brings better conditions due to less wind. However, I have always visited Lombok during the dry season (April to November) and had surfable conditions every single day. Thanks to the variety of surf spots facing different directions, you can always find a wave that suits the current wind and swell conditions.
Where to Surf in Lombok
While there are a few surf spots in western Lombok, the best waves are definitely in the south of the island. The heart of the surf scene is Kuta Lombok, strategically located between the main surf spots. Here, you’ll find everything you need for your surf trip: accommodations, surf camps, restaurants, cafés, bars, and a relaxed surf community.
But don’t worry – Kuta Lombok has nothing in common with the overcrowded, charmless Kuta in Bali. Instead, you’ll experience (for now!) laid-back vibes, a chilled atmosphere, and a surf culture that many compare to the original Canggu years ago.
Since Kuta is so central, it’s also the most convenient place to stay as a surfer. With a scooter, you can easily reach many surf spots. However, not all waves are easily accessible: some require navigating rough dirt roads, while others can only be reached by boat. The cost of a boat ride to a surf spot ranges from 100,000 to 150,000 IDR.
Why a Surf Guide in Lombok is worth it for all Surfing Levels
Besides the general benefits of taking a surf course – which you can read about in my article “The Most Important Tips for Beginner Surfers” – there are some specific reasons why hiring a surf guide or joining a surf school on Lombok is a great idea when surfing in Lombok:
1. Hassle-Free Boat Transfers
Many of the best surf spots in Lombok are only accessible by boat. If you’re only on the island for a short time, it can be worth booking a surf camp or surf school, as boat transfers are often included in the price. Make sure to check in advance if this is the case!
2. Always at the Right Spot at the Right Time
Lombok has numerous surf spots, especially reef breaks, which behave very differently depending on swell, wind, and tide. Even if you can read and understand surf forecasts, it often takes weeks to figure out the ideal conditions for each spot. A local surf guide saves you the trouble by taking you straight to the best waves of the day, giving you valuable insights into the spot dynamics, and even sharing some insider secrets. This saves a lot of time and helps you avoid mistakes (and potential injuries).
3. A Safe Place for Your Valuables
Unfortunately, thefts do happen on Lombok from time to time, and finding a safe place for your belongings, such as keys or cash, isn’t always easy. A guide can keep your valuables in their car or knows the owners of local warungs (small restaurants) at the surf spots, where you can safely store them.
Tip:
A surf guide is useful whether you’re visiting for a short trip (1-2 weeks) to quickly get familiar with the spots or staying longer – after a few sessions, you’ll already have a better orientation and can start finding the best waves on your own.
Checklist to find a Good Surf Guide
There’s nothing more frustrating than booking a surf guide only to realize that the experience is completely unprofessional – or even worse, that you feel unsafe in the water.
Like in many surf destinations, Lombok also has some so-called “surf guides” without proper training. Knowledge about surf techniques, safety, and rules? Nonexistent! To make sure you find a truly good guide, I always recommend going with trusted recommendations.
Besides my personal tips, you can find many reviews online. Your accommodation can often recommend reliable surf guides, or you can simply ask other travelers who are surfing in Lombok about their experiences.
To help you identify a good surf guide, the following guide will give you some pointers:
Quick Guide to Good Surf Guides
Pre-Lesson Communication: A professional surf guide will ask you about your surf level, goals, and experience in advance to select the right spots for you. It’s also important that they speak English well enough to communicate clearly with you.
Safety Briefing & Dryland Drills for Beginners: Regardless of skill level, a good guide will explain the surf spot and warn you about potential hazards like currents or reef structures. If you’re a complete beginner, they should always go over basic water safety rules and practice dryland drills (such as the take-off) before heading into the whitewater.
Active Guidance in the Water: A great surf guide stays close to you in the water and provides real-time coaching. They should only be on the beach if they’re doing a video analysis—not because they don’t feel like getting in the water with you.
Clear Pricing & Inclusions Make sure you know exactly what’s included in the price. Does the guide arrange transport to the surf spot? Is the surfboard provided? If so, it should be in good condition—half-broken softboards are a red flag.
Changing Spots Based on Progress & Conditions: A quality surf guide won’t take you to the same spot every day but will adjust based on your improvement and the surf conditions—if they allow for it.
Small Group Size: On Lombok, a guide should not be coaching more than three students at the same time. This ensures you get enough attention and can truly progress.
Good Vibes & Professionalism: A great surf experience also depends on how well you connect with your guide. Especially for female surfers, it’s important to know that flirting or inappropriate behavior is not normal. A professional guide focuses on the lesson. If you ever feel uncomfortable but don’t want to speak up, seek support from your accommodation or other travelers.
The 10 Best Surf Spots in Lombok for Beginners & Intermediates
Lombok is not just home to world-class waves for advanced surfers, like Desert Point, Ekas or Gerupuk, but also has plenty of perfect spots for beginners and intermediates. The best spot for you will depend on the swell size and how confident you feel in the water. Here are some top picks:
1. Selong Belanak
This breathtaking beach with turquoise water and fine white sand is one of the best places on Lombok to start surfing. The gentle waves make it easy to practice your first take-offs, and you’ll find surfboard rentals, surf guides, and a few beachfront restaurants to relax after your session.
2. Tanjun Aan
A postcard-perfect beach with crystal-clear water and powdery white sand. Here, you’ll find soft beach break waves for beginners and a reef break further out. The paddle to the point break is long and exhausting, so most surf schools and surfers use boats to get there. On small swells, the reef break can be beginner-friendly—but only with a guide!
3. Gerupuk Inside
Located in the well-known Gerupuk Bay, this spot is accessible only by boat. Inside Gerupuk is ideal for intermediates and beginners with some experience—as long as the swell isn’t too big. The waves here break slowly and gently, giving you more time for your take-off. However, the spot can get crowded, increasing the risk of collisions. If you’re not confident in the lineup, it’s best to go with a surf guide.
4. Don-Don’s
Also within Gerupuk Bay, Don-Don’s offers wide, soft waves that are perfect for intermediates and beginners with some experience, especially when the swell is small. With plenty of space, it’s a great place to practice without too much pressure
5. Kids Point
Another spot in Gerupuk Bay, Kids Point is great for complete beginners when other spots are too big. It provides a safe, controlled environment for learning.
6. Are Guling
A reef break that’s mellower compared to other reefs on Lombok. On small swells, it’s surfable for beginners with some experience—but only with a guide! Access is via boat.
7. Pantai Seger
Just 10 minutes from Kuta, this reef break has both left and right-hand waves. The left is softer and better suited for intermediates. When the swell is big, this spot is best left to advanced surfers.
8. Mawi
A powerful point break with a rocky bottom. Not suitable for beginners, but on small swells, it can be a fun challenge for advanced intermediates. No boat needed to access this spot.
9. Ekas Inside
While Ekas Outside is definetely only for advanced surfers, Ekas Inside is can be great for intermediate Surfer as well —especially the left-hander. It works at all tides but needs a bit more swell to turn on. Be cautious of the reef! The long drive from Kuta makes it a great destination for a day trip.
10. Sengigis
This laid-back beach break offers soft waves, making it a good option for intermediates on small swells. Some surf schools also bring beginners here, as the sandy bottom is ideal for learning. The longer drive from Kuta means fewer crowds—perfect for a peaceful surfing session in a different part of Lombok.
Recommendations Surf Camps, Surf School & Surf Guides
Kuta:
- DHM Surf School
- Roy Reef Surf School
- LMBK Surf House
- Nalua Surf Camp
- Drop In Surfcamp & Lodge
- LoTide Surf Camp
Selong Belanak:
Pack List for your Surf Trip to Lombok
Board Shorts / Swimsuit – The Ocean is wonderfully warm year-around
Sun Protection: Rash Guard, Hat, 50+ Sun Screen and Zinc
Surf Wax Tropical (above 24°C)
Reef Boots for Intermediate Surfers with sensitive Feets
Flip Flops / Sandals
Conclusion: The Best Time for Surfing in Lombok is Now!
If you’re looking for a relaxed surf trip with dream waves and less crowded line-ups, then Surfing in Lombok should definitely be at the top of your surf trip bucket list!
Lombok is changing fast, as more and more surfers—frustrated by developments in Bali—are discovering the island for themselves. For now, it still retains a laid-back atmosphere reminiscent of the old Bali, but how long that will last is uncertain.
I strongly encourage you to seize the opportunity to surf fantastic waves in breathtaking nature before Lombok possibly follows the same path as its famous neighbor.
This article was all about Surfing in Lombok – Your Quick Guide for Your Next Surf Trip.
